SweetArts 2011 celebrated those who embody the heart and soul of New Orleans’ cultural arts community. The 2011 honorees were: John Barnes, Ben Jaffe, Aimée Farnet Siegel and Derrick Tabb, along with the New Orleans Arts District and the New Orleans Fringe Theater Festival.

MAKING MAGIC HAPPEN

The Voodoo Ballerina King Cake Soiree, held at Michalopoulos’ studio , lets the community celebrate free expression. And celebrate, the members did. They also presented the 2011 Pirouette Awards, for courage, commitment to expression and contribution to the community, to: Ann Burr, John Calhoun, Chris Costello, Kirah Haubrich, Karen Kern, Baty Landis, Heather MacFarland , Deborah Oppenheim and Rachel Vella.

ICING ON THE CAKE

Reigning as the 18th King Cake Queen, Rona Conners costumed as a Japanese empress with a royal kimono and Japanese hair to fi t the theme “The Imperial House of Japan Boards The Orient Express.” Rona will reign as “The Chrysanthemum Queen.” The soiree was held at the home of Rip Naquin and Marsha Delain.

Guests at Joey Mistrot’s 12th annual Oscar party got to walk the red carpet to the entrance of his Uptown home, where they posed for the paparazzi between two gold Oscar statuettes. Brian Nelson , in a black tuxedo, won the Golden Hanger for best-dressed. Inspired by the movie “Black Swan,” Scott Chapman and Troy Richard won for best costumes as the white swan and black swan. Tim Bryant picked the most winners in the ballot competition. Other guests included: John Malta, Amy Baker, Keri Watson, Shawn Richard, Ryan Asprion, Shawn Morrow and Ryan Stanley.

TINY DANCERS

’Tit Rex is the world’s first Mardi Gras micro-krewe, social aid and pleasure club … and live miniature parade. The post-parade party was held at Vaughan’s Lounge in the Bywater. This year’s theme? “Too Little, Too Late.”

AND THE PARTY AND ALL

Ricky Graham’s New Orleans comedy hit “… And the Ball and All” was back for the season at Le Chat Noir, with Becky Allen, Amanda Hebert and the girls of The Mystic Krewe of Terpsichore who first won our hearts in 1995. How did they kick off the shows? With a party, of course.